Rotterdam officials honored by group

Two town officials, Steven Tommasone and Angelo Santabarbara, were honored Thursday, May 22, at the Capital District Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers' annual meeting at the Watervliet Arsenal.

Supervisor Steven Tommasone was named the organization's Citizen of the Year for his commitment to hiring only professionally licensed engineers on town projects and studies.

NYSSPE is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of ethical conduct and practice by members of the engineering profession.

Tommasone said it was a privilege to win an award from a professional organization. He said much of the work he does with the town is the combined efforts of professionals including attorneys, engineers and support staff. He said he would be accepting the award on the behalf of the entire town.

It's really about the big picture and not about just one person, said Tommasone. "It's a privilege to do what I do, and I don't need any accolades."

Tommasone said engineers have been hired to carry out certain tasks that tie in with the town's attempt to update its comprehensive plan.

"My administration is planning Rotterdam's future to appeal to the established traditions of our community mindful of changes in demographics and technologies in order to assist businesses to create jobs for our people, provide new sources of revenue to stabilize property taxes, and to protect and enhance our quality of life," said Tommasone in his remarks.

He cited the town's three exits off of Interstate 90, its industrial park, rail and power infrastructure, town parks, historical sites and the Great Flats Aquifer as Rotterdam's greatest assets.

"The future of Rotterdam is in our hands and minds," he told to the crowd of engineers. "Together we'll make Rotterdam thrive."

Santabarbara named president-elect

Rotterdam Industrial Development Authority Chairman and County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara, R-Rotterdam, was named the Capital District NYSSPE president-elect at the Tuesday meeting.